The Points Based System (PBS)

2008 saw the biggest overhaul of the UK's immigration system for over 45 years with the launch of the Points-Based System.

Under the new Points Based System the 80 or so established routes of entry into the UK are being replaced with a system that allows entry under one of 5 Tiers.

The Points Based System is a wholesale change to the UK's Immigration regime.

Many immigration categories which predated the Points Based System have now been deleted, and there are transitional provisions whereby people with leave to remain in those categories can apply for further leave to remain under a comparable sub category of the Points Based System.